Sears, Kmart to Help Military Families at Home

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corporation today announced the launch of Heroes at Home, a charitable partnership with the nation's leading volunteer home rehabilitation organization, Rebuilding Together. Through Heroes at Home, Sears Holdings seeks to improve the lives of military families in need across America by making necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to their homes.

"We are proud to be partnering with Rebuilding Together on this important initiative," said Sears Holdings Corporation Chairman Edward S. Lambert. "Our company has a longstanding commitment to the heroic men and women in the military. The goal of this program is to ensure that their families, who are also making sacrifices for our country, are living in safe, warm and comfortable homes."

Sears and Kmart customers have the opportunity to join in the effort by making a donation in stores nationwide or online. Sears stores will begin collecting funds on Memorial Day weekend. Kmart stores will launch their fundraiser for Heroes at Home on June 17.

"Sears Holdings' support of Rebuilding Together shows the power of collaboration between corporations and non-profits. Families in need across the country will benefit from this relationship," said Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "The in-store campaign is a wonderful opportunity for the public to contribute directly to programs that assist those who need our help most."

Sears and Kmart customers are encouraged to make a donation at Sears stores from May 25 through July 8 or at Kmart stores from June 17 through July 8. Donations may also be made online at www.sears.com or www.kmart.com.

Army Specialist Ryan C. Major, 21, of Silver Spring, Md., is the first beneficiary of Heroes at Home. Specialist Major is currently recovering from severe wounds he received when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on patrol in Iraq. Heroes at Home will provide Specialist Major with a wheelchair accessible bedroom, bathroom and elevator. Volunteers from Sears and Kmart, along with Rebuilding Together's Montgomery County affiliate, will honor Specialist Major during an event on June 22.

Sears Holdings' ongoing commitment to assisting troops and their families includes several recruiting and employment programs. The company offers a military pay differential to employees serving in the armed forces. Additionally, reservists who are employed full-time are allowed to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs. Heroes at Home is the first of three new programs that will be created as part of Sears Holdings' partnership with Rebuilding Together. The two other initiatives will focus on preserving and rehabilitating neighborhoods in some of the nation's largest cities and on helping needy individuals through home repairs.

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